BENGALURU: A day after Deccan Chronicle published a report on the alleged racial comments made by the ground staff of Etihad Airways against 16 Indians who had gone on a five-day trip to Abu Dhabi and also allegedly denying one of them a boarding pass, the airline clarified that none of its staff made any such remarks.
“We wholeheartedly reject the allegation that Etihad Airways staff made racial comments against Mr. Ismail’s group. The airline employs more than 16,500 people from almost 140 nationalities and no hint of racial preference can, or will, be tolerated. Therefore, we wholeheartedly reject the accusation that Etihad Airways staff made racial comments against Mr. Ismail’s group,” a press release stated.
However, the airline admitted that on the May 25, the flight was unfortunately overbooked, and subsequently, Mr Ismail and his group were informed about the same. “When the extremely rare incident of overbooking occurs, the affected guests are provided compensation and alternative flight with either Etihad Airways or other airlines,” the release stated.
“Our ground staff worked hard to ensure that a 16-year-old member of Mr Ismail’s group was able to travel. It was agreed that Mr Ismail would not board the flight following which he accepted an offer of a $-200 voucher as compensation and complimentary hotel accommodation at Yas Island which is 15 km from Abu Dhabi airport. However, it appears that instead of going to Yas Island, Mr. Ismail traveled to Dubai on his own accord,” the release said. The airline had apologised to Mr. Ismail for the inconvenience.
